JUST-WAR DOCTRINE
just-war doctrine. Int’l law. The principle that a war should have a morally and legally sufficient cause, and must be conducted with restraint. ? Precisely what is morally or legally sufficient depends on the norms of a time and place. Over the centuries the doctrine has been invoked to justify wars waged in self-defense, to avenge injuries and punish wrongs, and over religious differences. Restraint means that the least amount of force possible under the circumstances should be used and only when necessary. ¡ª Also termed just-war theory. See BELLUM JUSTUM.How many interpretations of the term JUST-WAR DOCTRINE are there in Chinese?